Barren Island (Andaman Islands)
Island India's only active volcano in the Andaman Sea
Barren Island in the Andaman archipelago is India’s only active volcano and accessible only to specialised expeditions. Scientists and experienced divers approach for remote volcanic landscapes and offshore reef study, not casual tourism.
Barren Island is a small volcanic island in the Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman Islands of India, and is the only historically active volcano in the region. The island has produced intermittent eruptions in recent decades and is geologically notable within the Andaman archipelago.
The island is uninhabited and visits are restricted because of volcanic risk and remoteness; nearby liveaboard and research vessels occasionally approach the island for observation. The island’s fresh lava flows and barren slopes contrast with the forested Andaman main islands.
Barren Island’s eruptions have been recorded in the 21st century and it is monitored by geological authorities in India. No permanent settlements are present and the island is primarily of interest to volcanologists and maritime observers.
The island lies in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, east of the main Andaman group, and is reached only by boat from larger islands and mainland ports with appropriate clearance.
- Volcanic status: It is the only confirmed active volcano in the Andaman Sea and the only historically active volcanic island of the Indian subcontinent.
- Access: Uninhabited and restricted for safety; boat access is controlled and generally limited to scientific or authorised visits.
How to Get to Barren Island (Andaman Islands) #
Barren Island is reached by boat from Port Blair (Andaman Islands) on scientific or government-authorized voyages; private tourist landings are generally not permitted due to safety and conservation concerns.
Tips for Visiting Barren Island (Andaman Islands) #
- Barren Island is an active volcanic island - approach only with experienced guides and permission from the Indian government.
- Flights and boat trips are rare and typically arranged for scientific or monitoring missions; tourist visits are not routine.
- Keep a safe distance from vents and comply with all safety orders; volcanic gases and sudden eruptions are risks.
Best Time to Visit Barren Island (Andaman Islands) #
Visits depend on volcanic activity and government permissions; the dry season often offers more stable sea conditions.
Weather & Climate near Barren Island (Andaman Islands) #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (3875 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (432 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 26°C). Heavy rain (686 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (646 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (665 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (695 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (324 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.